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Single Idea 6247

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / c. Ethical intuitionism ]

Full Idea

Every mortal is made uneasy by any grievous misery he sees another involved in, unless the person be imagined morally evil.

Gist of Idea

Everyone feels uneasy when seeing others in pain, unless the others are evil

Source

Francis Hutcheson (Treatise 2: Virtue or Moral Good [1725], §V.VIII)

Book Ref

'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.291

A Reaction

This is the natural compassion on which Hume built his moral theory. This remark emphasises that a concern for justice is just as important as a compassion for pain. Kant was more interested in what we deserve than in what we get.

The 14 ideas from 'Treatise 2: Virtue or Moral Good'

6238 We approve of actions by a superior moral sense [Hutcheson]
6239 We dislike a traitor, even if they give us great benefit [Hutcheson]
6240 The moral sense is not an innate idea, but an ability to approve or disapprove in a disinterested way [Hutcheson]
6241 Contempt of danger is just madness if it is not in some worthy cause [Hutcheson]
6242 We cannot choose our moral feelings, otherwise bribery could affect them [Hutcheson]
6243 As death approaches, why do we still care about family, friends or country? [Hutcheson]
6244 Human nature seems incapable of universal malice, except what results from self-love [Hutcheson]
6245 That action is best, which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest number [Hutcheson]
6246 My action is not made good by a good effect, if I did not foresee and intend it [Hutcheson]
6247 Everyone feels uneasy when seeing others in pain, unless the others are evil [Hutcheson]
6248 Reason is too slow and doubtful to guide all actions, which need external and moral senses [Hutcheson]
6250 We say God is good if we think everything he does aims at the happiness of his creatures [Hutcheson]
6249 If goodness is constituted by God's will, it is a tautology to say God's will is good [Hutcheson]
6251 The loss of perfect rights causes misery, but the loss of imperfect rights reduces social good [Hutcheson]